Perennials
Actaea simplex 'Black Negligee'
Black Negligee Bugbane
Ranunculaceae
Eastern Asia (Japan, Korea, northern China, eastern Russia)
At a Glance
TypePerennial
HabitUpright
FoliageDeciduous
Height3–5 feet (90–150 cm)
Width24–30 inches (60–75 cm)
Maturity3 years
Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
3 - 7Zone 3
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy
Key Features
Attracts Pollinators
Deer Resistant
Fragrant (light)
Maintenancelow
Overview
Actaea simplex 'Black Negligee' is an upright herbaceous perennial reaching 3–5 feet (90–150 cm) tall in flower with a spread of 24–30 inches (60–75 cm), forming a clump of finely dissected dark foliage. The leaves are two to three times ternately compound, more finely and deeply cut than other dark-leaved A. simplex cultivars, giving the foliage a lacy texture; color is deep purple-black to near-black through the growing season, holding better in partial shade than full sun. Flowers are white to pale pink-flushed, lightly fragrant, produced on wand-like racemes 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) long in September through October. The 'Black Negligee' cultivar is noted for the combination of especially finely dissected foliage texture and deep near-black color. Actaea simplex was formerly classified under Cimicifuga simplex; both names appear in older literature. Plant parts may cause mild GI irritation if ingested in quantity.
Native Range
Actaea simplex is native to eastern Asia, including Japan, Korea, northern China, and eastern Russia (Siberia), occurring in moist mountain meadows, forest margins, and open woodland clearings at elevations of 2,000–8,000 feet (600–2,400 m). The 'Black Negligee' cultivar is a garden selection and does not occur in wild populations.Suggested Uses
Planted in partially shaded borders and woodland garden edges at 24–30 inch (60–75 cm) spacing. The near-black lacy foliage provides a dark foil for adjacent lighter-colored plants through the growing season; the late September–October fragrant white racemes extend the shade border into fall. Suited to zones 3–7 in consistently moist, partially shaded sites. Not suited to dry soils, full sun in warm climates, or alkaline conditions.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 5'
Width/Spread2' - 2'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Colors
Flower Colors
white
pink
Foliage Colors
purple
black
Fall Foliage Colors
no change
Bloom Information
Bloom Period
~4 weeksJ
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Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white to pale pink-flushedFoliage Description
deep purple-black to near-black, finely dissectedGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Partial Shade
Full Shade
Requires 2-5 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Soil Requirements
pH Range5.0 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclay
Drainage
moist
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Medium
Frost Tolerance
hardy
Time to Maturity
3–4 years
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in moist, humus-rich soil with a pH of 5.0–7.0 in partial shade. Afternoon shade is essential for maintaining dark foliage color — full sun fades the purple-black to bronze-green in most climates. Water consistently, weekly during dry periods; does not tolerate drying out. Mulch to retain soil moisture. Performs in zones 3–7. Foliage color is most intense in spring and fall; summer heat and light can cause some lightening. No routine fertilization is required in soils with adequate organic matter.Pruning
Cut stems to the ground in late fall after frost. Remove spent racemes after October bloom if desired. Division in early spring every 6–8 years maintains vigor. No staking is required in sheltered sites; may need support at the taller end of the range in exposed positions.Pruning Schedule
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